Gladiator, Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix tried to quit 'Gladiator'; Russell Crowe called it 'terribly unprofessional': director
Actor Joaquin Phoenix, known for his villainous role Commodus in "Gladiator," almost dropped out of the film, director Ridley Scott shared.
Joaquin Phoenix tried to drop out of original ‘Gladiator’ before Russell Crowe blasted him for being ‘unprofessional’
Joaquin Phoenix nearly gave up his villainous role of Commodus in the original “Gladiator.” While discussing the cult classic’s upcoming sequel with the New York Times, director Ridley Scott revealed Phoenix had to be convinced to stay on the film after threatening to drop out at the last minute.
Russell Crowe thought Joaquin Phoenix was ‘terribly unprofessional’ on ‘Gladiator’ set: director
The movie’s director, Ridley Scott, spoke to The New York Times before the upcoming release of “Gladiator II” and revealed that the first few days of production didn’t go as planned – mainly because Phoenix was overwhelmed and Crowe believed his behavior was “unprofessional.”
Russell Crowe Thought Joaquin Phoenix Was ‘Terribly Unprofessional’ On ‘Gladiator’ Set
Ridley Scott reflected on the rocky start between his two lead actors, Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, when filming 'Gladiator.'
Gladiator 2 ending explained: Is Russell Crowe's Maximus in the sequel?
Gladiator II has finally been released, with the long-awaited sequel to the 2000 film following the journey of Maximus' son Lucius, but does Russell Crowe return as Maximus?
Russell Crowe's role in Gladiator 2 explored: Does he make an appearance in the Paul Mescal-led sequel?
Warning - this article contains spoilers for Gladiator II. Gladiator II continues the grand tale of Maximus Decimus Meridius' (played by Russell Crowe) son Lucius (Paul Mescal), tracing his journey from being the former heir to the Roman Empire to a captive warrior seeking revenge.
Ahead of Gladiator II release, a brief recap of Russel Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix starrer Gladiator
It has been 24 years since Ridley Scott gave the world a glimpse of the Roman Empire in Gladiator. The film over the years has attained cult status and is lauded by one and all.

Gladiator, Paul Mescal

Ridley Scott had to keep Joaquin Phoenix from dropping out of Gladiator
Scott addressed the topic in a new interview with The New York Times, in which he was actually discussing Barry Keoghan, who ...
Joaquin Phoenix Tried Quitting ‘Gladiator’ Before Ridley Scott Stopped Him
Ridley Scott had to stop Joaquin Phoenix, from dropping out of 2000 epic "Gladiator," the director said in an interview ...
Ridley Scott Recalls Joaquin Phoenix Nearly Quit ‘Gladiator’
Nearly 25 years later, 'Gladiator' director Ridley Scott revealed that Joaquin Phoenix almost backed out of his ...